חוּשָׁה

Chushah, an Israelite

Definition

Chushah is a proper noun referring to an individual mentioned in the genealogy of Judah in 1 Chronicles 4:4. The name is derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'to hurry' or 'haste,' suggesting a name given perhaps in a context of urgency or quick action. As a personal name, it identifies a specific Israelite, the father of several sons, within the tribal lineage. The word appears only in this genealogical context and does not carry multiple senses or meanings in different biblical passages.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 4:4. It functions solely as a personal name within a genealogical list, specifically in the lineage of Judah through his son Hur. There are no patterns of usage across different books or contexts, as it is a unique identifier for an individual ancestor.

Etymology

The name Chushah (חוּשָׁה) is a feminine form derived from the root חוּשׁ (H2363), which means 'to hurry,' 'to make haste,' or 'to be quick.' It is related to the verb 'to hasten' and shares a root with other words conveying urgency. The formation suggests it was originally a descriptive name, possibly given to commemorate an event or characteristic involving speed.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or divine attributes. A name like Chushah ('haste') may have been given to commemorate a quick or urgent event surrounding the individual's birth or life. This contrasts with modern naming conventions, which often prioritize sound or family tradition over literal meaning. As a genealogical entry, it also underscores the importance of lineage and tribal identity in Israel's historical records.

חוּשׁ (Chûsh, H2363) — the root verb meaning 'to hasten,' from which the name is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References